Many tenants in British Columbia share housing with roommates, and sometimes a roommate situation becomes untenable. This guide explains the legal steps a tenant can take to ask a roommate to leave, when the province's Residential Tenancy Branch applies, and how to document problems like non-payment, damage, or illegal behaviour. It covers how to give proper notice, what forms or applications you may need, how to request dispute resolution, and practical tips for protecting your rights and keeping records. The language is plain and aimed at renters without legal training. If you are a tenant worried about a roommate—whether they are on the lease or not—this article outlines options, deadlines, and next steps specific to British Columbia.
Can you evict a roommate in BC?
Whether a tenant can legally remove a roommate depends on who is named on the tenancy agreement. If the roommate is a co-tenant on the lease, only the landlord or the Residential Tenancy Branch can process formal eviction actions; tenants should speak to the landlord and may need the landlord to issue notices or apply for dispute resolution on their behalf[1]. If the roommate is not on the lease, a tenant still cannot use force; instead, the tenant should follow lawful steps: give written notice, document the reasons, and use dispute resolution when necessary.
When to involve your landlord or the Residential Tenancy Branch
Start by determining your legal position (are you the only tenant on the lease, or is the roommate a named tenant?). If the person is on the lease, the landlord must be involved and any formal eviction requires a landlord application to the branch. If the roommate is an informal occupant, tenants can request they leave and, where necessary, apply for dispute resolution themselves.
- If the roommate is a co-tenant on the written lease, contact the landlord to discuss next steps and possible notices.
- Give a clear written request or notice to the roommate stating what you want and by when; keep a dated copy.
- For non-payment or shared-bill disputes, document amounts owed and payment attempts.
- Collect evidence: photos, messages, receipts, and a log of incidents or dates.
Forms and official steps to file a dispute
British Columbia provides official information and forms on residential tenancies; the central pages list the common forms and how to apply for dispute resolution[2][3]. Common items tenants should know about:
- Application for dispute resolution — this is the official way a tenant asks the branch to hear a dispute; use it when a roommate refuses to leave and talks fail. (Form name: Application for dispute resolution; number: not always shown on the web form.)
- Notice documents — if a landlord is involved they may serve formal notices; tenants should read any notice carefully and keep copies.
- Evidence package — photos, dated messages, bank records, and a timeline you can submit with an application, and bring to any hearing.
What to expect at dispute resolution
If you apply for dispute resolution, the branch will review your application, request evidence from both parties, and set a hearing or online review. Present your written records and copies of the notice you gave your roommate. If the decision grants an order requiring the occupant to leave, the decision will explain next steps and any timelines to enforce the order.
If you need alternative housing while matters are resolved, consider looking for options in your area such as Find Vancouver apartments for rent to compare rentals and consider a safer short-term arrangement.
FAQ
- Can I force a roommate to leave if they are not on the lease?
- No. Even if they are not on the lease, you cannot use force or change locks. Start with a written request and, if that fails, apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch.
- What official form do I use to start a dispute?
- Use the Application for dispute resolution provided by the Residential Tenancy Branch; submit evidence and a clear timeline of events when you file.
- How long does the process usually take?
- Timelines vary by caseload and complexity; respond promptly to any requests and attend scheduled hearings to avoid delays.
How-To
- Talk to your roommate calmly and explain the problem, and ask them to leave by a clear date.
- Give a written request or notice that you keep a dated copy of, stating the reason and the date you want them to vacate.
- Collect evidence: photos, messages, receipts, and a clear timeline of incidents to support your case.
- If the roommate refuses, complete and submit an Application for dispute resolution to the Residential Tenancy Branch with your evidence.
- Attend the hearing or online review, present your evidence clearly, and follow the branch's directions if an order is issued.
- If an order requires the occupant to leave and they do not, use the order to seek lawful enforcement as explained in the decision.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies - Province of British Columbia
- Residential Tenancies forms - Province of British Columbia
- Application for dispute resolution - Residential Tenancy Branch
